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Context Urban blight is a major issue in Detroit: More than a third of its properties are abandoned. The DLBA is tasked with cleaning up abandoned properties and bringing them back into the tax base. To stimulate sales of salvageable properties, the DLBA has initiated an online auction program. The DLBA has also begun a federally funded program to demolish 4,000 structures. Debris removal is expensive; citizens and nonprofit groups have stepped in to support the DLBA’s efforts. Findings The DLBA’s current disposition model does not leverage its rich dataset to drive efficiencies. There is a lack of coordination across City agencies and community organizations. It costs more to remove debris from DLBA-owned properties than buyers are willing to pay for them. Illegal dumping is a chronic problem, both in terms of clean-up costs and its effects on property values. Deconstruction of homes slated for demolition can yield socioeconomic, environmental and reputational benefits. The DLBA uses social and digital communication channels, but it lacks a comprehensive engagement strategy. Vision The DLBA and the City are well positioned to take actions that address resource efficiency, illegal dumping, salvage and reuse, which will lower the exorbitant costs associated with the removal of debris. This, in turn, will reduce blight and raise property values while bringing socioeconomic benefits, making Detroit a more attractive place to live and work. © Copyright IBM Corporation 2016. February 2016. IBM, the IBM logo, and ibm.com are trademarks of IBM, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Other product and service names may be trademarks of IBM or other companies. A current list of IBM trademarks is available on the Web at www.ibm.com/legal/copytrade.shtml. Detroit MI, United States The challenge: Design a strategy for cost-efficient and sustainable removal, recycling and reuse of debris from abandoned and neglected properties, thereby allowing the Detroit Land Bank Authority (DLBA) to redirect its limited resources to making strategic investments in neighborhoods. www.smartercitieschallenge.org Apply process optimization and predictive analytics Establish a centralized coordination structure Implement integrated prevention and enforcement activities Leverage salvage and deconstruction Enhance social engagement To drive community ownership as residents rebuild neighborhoods. To reduce neighborhood clean-up costs and raise property values. To divert materials from landfills and help create jobs. To build community trust and increase resident participation. To reduce neighborhood blight faster and more efficiently. Summary of recommendations Executive summary
